May 07, 2014

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It is not all the time when someone who looks almost like a Korean celebrity greets you at the door. That is one of the reasons why a girl friend loves Kimchi Korean Restaurant at Suntec so much, “hun man!”, as she melts before the yuzu sorbet does.

Kimchi while being Korean, is a local set-up, established and branded by owner Haden Hee. If you find the 33-year old boss familiar, he has appeared in bit roles such MediaCorp’s Dream Makers, earns his due through property, and has another famous brother – Julian if you must know. (Good genes run in the family.)

Before you dismiss him as another pretty boy with extra cash, he has actually put together quite a credible team.

The Executive Chef Choi Minchul has experience in Ritz Carlton (South Korea, Naples USA) and Marina Bay Sands. His style is to put together familiar Korean flavours from his hometown of Andong, while tailoring a menu with the local diner in mind.

While the restaurant feels expensive on the outside, the menu reflects otherwise. Quite value-for-money.

The beef while lean had a good bite, pleasingly juicy with a sweet-salty marinate that doesn’t overpower. The sides such as red chilli jeon, turn out to be surprisingly tasty and provides the dish a variety of textures.

I don’t normally order porridge in Korean restaurants. Usually they are watery or have this overly strong taste of ginseng.

There are more hits than misses. Perhaps the Yang Yeom Deep-Fried Chicken ($8.50) could come with thicker and juicier chunks, and Jap Chae ($6.90) could be saucier. There is no ban-chan offered if you must know, though kimchi is available at $1.

Korean barbecue is also available. Built-in electric table grills are used without the emission of smoke, good for diners who dislike smelling like a barbequed meats.

So other than the boss, rest assured there is enough food worth salivating for.